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Basic Kite
Designs - Single, Dual, Quad Line
Today's kites come
in thousands of different shapes and sizes. The traditional
triangle design once used by Charlie Brown is still being used
today, but modern technology now gives us many different designs
to choose from including box shaped kites, cylinder shaped
kites, Bi-planes, Octopus', parafoils, ships ... you name it and
it has probably been designed as a kite and flown. The new
variety in kites has made the sport not only relaxing, but very
enjoyable to watch. The colours are beautiful and the designs
are amazing.
Stunt kites combine modern design with precision control,
allowing you to not only launch your kite, but actually control
it in virtually any direction you wish. Complicated manoeuvres
are mastered with practice and when done properly, will amaze
bystanders and friends. Power kites are impressive in size and
takes the sport of kite flying to the very edge of extreme.
Below you will learn what makes each type of kite fit into
different categories, how kites are designed, the different
components generally found on today's kites, and what makes
kites fly.
Single Line
Kites
The above pictures are just a few
samples of some of the single line kites that are available
today. Single line kites come in hundreds of different designs
and sizes, ranging from smaller than 1 foot to over 10 feet in
size. The design of today's modern kites is better than ever,
making flying your kite easy and trouble free. If you have any
wind at all, your kite should be able to fly. Setting up a
single line kite takes only a few minutes, and some are ready to
launch right out of the bag. Tails are not needed any more, but
still can be added for that classic look. A simple adjustment on
the bridle connection point backwards will allow your kite to
fly stable in light winds and moving the connection point
forward will make your kite more controllable in heavy winds.
Once again, all kites are designed differently. To make sure
you have the proper bridle adjustment, check with the
information supplied with your kite.
Single line kites can be single
skin (flat) or ram-air design (double layered with an air
pocket). Single line kites usually have a multi line bridle that
connects the kite to a single line that the kite flyer hangs
onto. Single line kites can have a rigid frame or can be soft
without any frame. Single line kites are a wonderful inexpensive
way to spend an afternoon with your friends or family.
Dual Line Kites
Dual line kites are excellent for
someone who is looking to get a little more out of kite flying.
With two lines connected to your kite instead of one, you now
have the ability to control your kite in virtually any direction
you wish. Dual line kites are easy to fly and easy to launch.
Landing your dual line kite will usually take a bit of practice
at first, but can be mastered pretty quickly. Launching your
dual line kite in the air usually only requires a firm tug on
the lines and your off. Bridle adjustments are critical and
pre-set at the factory. Adjustments are usually only needed in
the event of a warn or broken line. Line sets are purchased in
pre-set set lengths, not on a large roll that you let out as
with single line kites. Dual line kites are designed for either
stunt flying for tricks and manoeuvres, or for power/traction
flying for buggying, surfing or just to drag you around on the
grass. Like single line kites, dual line kites come in many
different designs, colours, and sizes.
Dual line kites usually have a
multi line bridle that connects to two independent lines that
are connected to straps or handles that the flyer uses to
control the kite. Pulling on the left line will cause the kite
to turn towards the left or counter clockwise, pulling the right
will cause the kite to turn towards the right or clockwise.
Dual line stunt kites are fast,
some of them are capable of reaching speeds well over 50 MPH.
Dual line power kites can generate extreme amounts of pulling
power and can reach sizes larger than an automobile. Caution
should always be used when first learning to fly dual line power
kites.
Quad Line Kites
Quad or 4 line kites are designed
for the ultimate control. The bridle is attached to 4 lines that
connect the kite to the flyer, usually connecting to handles or
a control bar. Two of the lines are on the right side and the
other two are connected to the left side in pairs. Upper lines
are connected to the top of the kite, lower lines are connected
to the bottom of the kite. The bottom lines are usually referred
to as the "brakes" and can be used to slow the kite down or even
fly the kite backwards. By rotating the handles back and forth
you can get precision turns, extreme speed, and superior control
as compared to dual line kites. Rotating the bottom of the
handles towards you will usually start the kite flying in
reverse, making landing the kite easier than with dual line and
single line kites. Spins can be done without dropping the kite
in altitude. Quad line stunt kites give you maximum control, any
direction, any time (including upside down and reverse). Quad
line stunt kites like the "Revolution" series can fly inverted
(upside down) and backwards with complete control.
Power or traction kites have the
same type of control although usually much slower in responding
due to their enormously large sizes, and reverse flight is not
possible on some designs but still have the brake feature and
are capable of landing. Quad line power kites make up for their
decrease in speed and manoeuvrability by generating the greatest
amount of power possible, capable of picking up a 250 pound
person over 30 feet in the air with very little effort, or
pulling a person at speeds over 50 MPH in a buggy or catching
extreme air time over 30 feet up and hang times over 30 seconds
in length on surfboards and snowboards. Large power kites can be
extremely dangerous and should always be flown with the greatest
respect and caution
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